Trafford residents are being urged to make sure they have completed and returned their recently received voter registration forms.

The forms provide the council with the names and other details of all eligible voters who will be living in the property on 15 October 2012.

The annual canvass has been brought forward this year due to the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, being held on 15 November.

Council Chief Executive Theresa Grant encouraged people to make sure they send their forms back quickly.

"Local democracy is extremely important as it allows all of us to play our part in influencing how our local council operates, its priorities and focus. Equally, once registered, all eligible voters will be able to vote in the forthcoming elections for Greater Manchester's first Police and Crime Commissioner.

"It is important that people make sure they are on our electoral register. Unfortunately people often think because they pay council tax they are automatically registered, but this is not the case."

Canvassers will be visiting all households that haven't returned their registration forms from the beginning of September 2012.

Anyone needing more information about the annual canvass, the voter registration form itself or elections generally should contact the Elections Office on 0161 912 4259, or e-mail elections@trafford.gov.uk.